The Federal Government has promised that it will not allow the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to embark on strike and disrupt academic activities across the country. The assurance came from the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, during an interaction with journalists at the Gender Inclusion Summit in Abuja on Wednesday.
Alausa said the government was engaging ASUU and other trade unions with mutual respect and remained committed to finding lasting solutions to their grievances. He stressed that while he would not disclose private talks, Nigerians should be assured that universities will remain open.
ASUU has been in talks with the Federal Government over issues relating to the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, which includes demands for sustainable funding of universities, revitalisation of institutions, salary arrears, promotions, and other unresolved matters. Alausa noted that the government is determined to resolve these issues without resorting to confrontation.
The minister also announced major reforms in Nigeria’s examination system, revealing that both WAEC and NECO will gradually switch to computer-based testing (CBT). He explained that the move is meant to curb exam malpractices and encourage students to prepare better.
According to him, the November WAEC exams will begin with CBT for objective questions while essays remain paper-based. By 2026, however, both objective and essay components will be fully computer-based, a change he believes will raise educational standards and improve students’ performance.
